Today, we spotlight Sherwin’s journey from a VR user to a beacon of innovation across VR platforms. Sherwin was interviewed by BurdenofProof on his show Ask Da Q Speak Your Truth, I highly encourage you to check out the full episode. Or scroll to the bottom to read the key takeaways from Sherwin’s VR journey.
The End of Altspace. A New Beginning
26:30 “I was not done” - Sherwin’s venture into VR began with Altspace, pouring time and resources into a platform that unfortunately got shutdown. Sherwin learned a valuable lesson from this, “nothing really lasts in the metaverse”. So he decided, moving forward, to establish his presence across multiple VR platforms.
The Birth of 'The Tonight Show' in VR Chat
Drawing inspiration from iconic late-night shows, Sherwin, alongside DJ Vaditron, launched a VR Chat sensation: "The Tonight Show." The time he spent studying these shows and practicing the delivery of his words paid off because eventually Sherwin’s show was heard of by some celebrities who have a VR presence, and it gained traction from there. A few of the first notable names that went on Sherwin’s The Tonight Show in VRChat were Miss Laura Heyes from Queens of Comedy, the group of rappers known as Naughty by Nature, as well as the FitXR fitness instructors.
The Power of Networking
34:38 Sherwin first got connected with a well known figure, Vin Rock through Vin Rock’s E-Commerce manager, Greg. Greg is an E-commerce manager for a few other big brands and celebrities such as Naughty by nature, Run DMC, etc. So when Sherwin ran into Greg by chance in VR, he invited him to his “The Tonight Show”. Other notable Tonight Show guests that Sherwin connected with included Miss Laura Hayes, rapper Vin Rock and the fitness instructors from FitXR.
Final Closing Statements - When you see all the success and accomplishments, just know that there is a village behind me
1:10:08 “The only person that will make things happen is you. You have to put the time, the effort, the blood, sweat and tears into making things happen for yourself. I don’t wait around and wait for opportunities to come to me, I create opportunities for myself. And I love sharing with other people and giving opportunities to other people as well.” If you’re not proactive, you’re behind.
1:11:45 “It’s definitely not a one man show, it never is. When you see all the success and accomplishments, just know that there is a village behind me of people that are very supportive. They see the vision and want it to succeed.”
Let’s Recap The Key Takeaways From This Journey
Perseverance and Adaptability. Sherwin didn’t give up when he had to start over. Even when he seemingly lost all that time, energy and money invested into Altspace, he still gained skills and experience that were valuable in his journey. In all labor, there is profit.
Proliferate your presence. The ripple effects on the Altspace community from the shut down of the platform were catastrophic for some, but an opportunity for others. For Sherwin, it forced him to look beyond Altspace and reminded him of the importance of having a presence on many platforms, across different mediums.
Create opportunities for yourself. If you are not proactive, you are behind. Though it may seem like pure chance how Sherwin met Greg, the e-commerce manager for Vin Rock and other big brands and names, Sherwin would not have been able to capitalize on that opportunity if he had given up after Altspace shutdown, and allowed his headset to collect dust.
Collaboration is powerful. Although the focus of this article was on Sherwin, he was not alone on his journey. That is why Sherwin stated “When you see all the success and accomplishments, just know that there is a village behind me of people that are very supportive. They see the vision and want it to succeed.”
Embark on Your VR Journey
Inspired by Sherwin's story? Eager to carve out your own path in the VR space? Whether you're launching a VR venture or seeking to amplify your virtual presence, remember: the blueprint for success lies in learning from those who've traversed the path before you.
Let's build your VR legacy together.
Full Episode of the interview: Click Here
